How to Have More Gratitude During the Holidays

Get the classic Ramsey green beans and Thanksgiving stuffing recipes featured in this episode, plus a bonus recipe for the most delicious apple pie EVER.

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Show Notes

This really is one of my favorite times of year, because ‘tis the season to be thankful—especially at Thanksgiving! This is so applicable to what I teach, because in order to win with money (and in all areas of life, really), we need to be thankful and grateful for what we already have.

Resources

You guys know that contentment is a message I’m super passionate about sharing. Contentment isn’t just something that helps you spiritually and emotionally—it also helps you financially. And that all starts with practicing gratitude.

Yep, I said practicing gratitude—because it’s something I know I have to work on every single day! That’s why I keep a running list of things I’m thankful for right in my phone. It’s one of the best ways I’ve found to practice gratitude. I’ve been intentional about making it a habit, and it’s changed my life.

Swap the Stress for Gratitude

The holidays can be a stressful time—especially for those of us who have kids or have to travel during this season. It’s even harder if you’re trying to get out of debt, because every time you turn the corner, you’re met with ads for Christmas gifts and other ways to spend money. The pressure to keep up, throw the best Christmas ever, and get everyone the perfect gift . . . it’s so real!

But not this year. You’ve been there, done that. Let’s do it differently this time. This holiday season, I want you to experience the gift of gratitude.

That’s what this episode is all about.

The Benefits of Practicing Gratitude

Maybe you still need to be convinced that practicing gratitude is something you should prioritize. I get it! You’re busy, and gratitude can seem like this fluffy feeling you don’t have time to actively pursue. But it really is important to your health. People who practice gratitude are happier mentally, physically and spiritually.

And you guys, there is a ton of research to back this up:

Gratitude enhances countless other positive qualities in your life, like patience and self-control.(1)

Practicing gratitude can boost connection and satisfaction in your relationships!(2)

How to Practice Gratitude

Like I said before, this costs you nothing, but it’s so valuable to the person receiving it. If you don’t know what to write, my friend Christy Wright has a four-step guide here.

Start a gratitude journal, and try to write in it every day.

Actively keeping a gratitude journal over the years has made me grow so much. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s also really fun to go back and reread years down the road.

Send a video telling someone why you’re thankful for them.

A bunch of you sent in videos telling me what you’re thankful for this week, so in this episode, we put together a little montage of you and what you’re thankful for.

For more ideas, check out the full episode! What would you add to these? Share your ideas for cultivating gratitude in my Facebook community!

Grateful for My Mom, Sharon Ramsey, and Her Amazing Recipes!

Thanksgiving is a big deal in the Ramsey household. My brother and sister bring their families over to Mom and Dad’s, where Mom has a Thanksgiving spread fit for a king laid out for everyone. The house smells so good. And the crazy thing is, Mom not only cooks it all, but she even comes up with the recipes for everything herself! In this episode, Mom is going to hook us up with her amazing recipes for Thanksgiving stuffing, green beans and dessert.

I love all things Christmas. And believe me, I know that Target and Pottery Barn have Christmas decorations that are downright magical! But I don’t want November and December to be a time when you put your debt snowball or savings on pause. So, before you go out and buy every sparkly Santa and red-nosed reindeer, let’s talk about some affordable ways to decorate that will be just as memorable.

Picture this:

You step outside your front door to pick up the newspaper. Does anyone still get newspapers? Maybe not, but go with me on this . . .

Your fuzzy, warm slippers almost touch the white edge of the snow on your front step, but you step back just in time. The cold air smells clean and it turns your nose pink. The snow-covered branches of the pine trees seem to be shivering too. You exhale as you bend down to pick up the newspaper, and you can see your breath. You snatch it up and scurry back into your toasty living room and close the door behind you.

Now, you probably didn’t notice that I never once mentioned the date or time of year. But based on everything else in the scene, you knew it was unmistakably winter. Imagine creating a beautiful winter vibe like that inside your house, and saving money in the process. You totally can!

This is a trick that my new friend, Myquillyn Smith—aka The Nester—just taught me. And in this episode, she’ll teach you all about it too! You’ll learn how to:

Create an atmosphere in your home that works for an entire season

Save time and money by focusing on five key pieces

Transform your house into a space that makes your guests and your family feel right at home

You can download The Nester’s own curated playlist for each season here!

My segment with The Nester made me feel so much better about my home and the décor I already have, and I know it will help you feel that way too. Don’t miss this one!

Here’s wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving filled with gratitude. This season, I hope you remember to take control of your money and create a life you love.

Sponsors pay the producer of this show, The Lampo Group, LLC, advertising fees for mentioning their services or products during programing. Advertising fees are not based upon or otherwise tied to any product sale or business transacted between any consumer or sponsor. The following sponsors have paid for the programing you are viewing: SimpliSafe, Zander Insurance.